"Pure and Holy, Giving Glory" Study Series

9 Bible Studies in the Book of Ephesians for Presbyterian Women

This 9-lesson study guide was written by Debbie Schmidt. It has been used by The Network of Presbyterian Women in Leadership NPWL also produces other study materials that can be purchased at their site, as well as other good information for women's ministry.

Download the Study PDF File

The study is available as a PDF file, which you can download and print.

Study Introduction

The book of Ephesians is much shorter than some of Paul's other letters, but it is packed with many of the themes that he expands upon in his other writings. New Testament scholar F. F. Bruce has called Ephesians "the quintessence of Paulinism." It was written later in Paul's life, at a time when he was under house arrest in Rome. It is clear in the book that he has done a great deal of reflection on the essentials of the faith. He is concerned for the new believers he is writing to and wants to give them a good foundation.

The letter is addressed to the Ephesians but most scholars agree that it was intended to be circulated to all the churches in the area around Ephesus in the Lycus valley. This accounts for the absence of any personal greetings at the beginning and end of the book. Paul had spent several years with the Ephesians and certainly would have had warm greetings for individuals if his letter were going to that church alone.

The book of Ephesians begins with an inspiring exploration of what it means to be a new creation in Christ. Paul discusses our spiritual blessings, the resources we have as we live in union with the risen Christ and the unity we share with all believers as members of the body of Christ. Paul's enthusiasm is apparent as he interrupts himself to elaborate on God's goodness and as he breaks out into spontaneous praise and prayers. This section, which fills roughly the first three chapters, lifts us into the spiritual realm and tries to give us a glimpse into the unseen mysteries of God's work in the world.

In the next section, Paul challenges his listeners to live lives worthy of the high calling they have received. He talks about the integrity their lives should display and calls them to honor God in the way they conduct themselves in their daily lives. Each relationship is an occasion to act in a way that brings praise and glory to God.

In the final section, beginning midway through chapter 6, Paul again takes his readers into the spiritual world and warns of the enemy who will try to undermine what God is doing. For Christians, simply knowing what we should do is not enough-the battle is a spiritual one and can only be won as Christians depend on the power and resources of the Holy Spirit.

This study is designed to be used for discussion in Circles. Quotes from Christians of many various traditions are included in some of the lessons. They are not intended to be the final answers to the questions they address. Rather, they are there to give insights into how other Christians have expressed their experiences and to give added dimension to the discussion.

These study materials were written by Debbie Schmidt.
They are meant to be freely used, but please contact her if you would like
to distribute them from somewhere other than our website (or NWPL).
© 2002, Debbie I. Schmidt